The “Capitelles” - Trail of Rancoule

Trail Markings: Yellow

Starting Point: With your back to City Hall.

Turn left, then at the intersection, take Rue des Oliviers—this is where the trail markers begin. At the top of the housing area, turn right and head up toward the scrubland, where the first sign on the left points to the path leading to a small “capitelle”; above it, a larger one with a shelter leans against the fence wall. Pass through a grove of holm oaks and giant broom, turn left onto the cart path, then right to reach an old raised garden with a restored "capitelle" near a small chasm. 

Climb about ten stone steps and return to the scrubland. Turn right and follow the wall to the north. At the water tower, rejoin the old cart track and continue along the La Guinette municipal trail. 

Enter a pine forest heading toward Pech Majou Sud. As you climb, enjoy a beautiful view of the Romanesque bell tower of Saint Jacques d’Albas and the Château de Villarlong (pre-Romanesque chapel and Visigothic ruins). 

Cross a remarkable cypress grove (20-meter-tall trees, to the right and left of a deep ravine). Above a small stream, climb about thirty steep steps to reach a flat area. 

Head north, following the wall of standing stones (capitelle) bordering a vast pasture (carpeting with rockroses). To the east, there’s a beautiful view of the village, the Crapam, and the Alaric. Descend toward Pech Majou Nord (a small, restored "capitelle" with a doorway on the north side). 

Reach a large square "capitelle" (vaulted dome, splayed openings to the north and east) via a flight of twelve steps. On either side, a sloping wall has been built, with stones overlapping in a scale-like pattern. Take the “Carretal” (cart path) westward (a beautiful, straight 100-meter path lined with well-restored low walls). Turn right, follow the wall, and enjoy the panoramic view of Figuères. 

At the junction of the trail and the small paved road, turn right onto “Retour 3.” At the very bottom, just before the Calvary of the Cross of Saint Peter, take the small descending trail to the right. Walk past the olive groves and then a hedge of cypress trees. 

At the road, turn right to return to the village center.